Here is the perfect astronomical event for a cold winter’s night. Contrary to the usual best practice in astronomy, it will be clearly visible through a window, from inside one’s house. The view would be better from outside, but better to see two bright objects well enough through a window, than to allow tonight’s subzero windchill to prevent one from seeing it at all.
Tonight—Tuesday, January 19, 2016—the Moon occults Aldebaran from 9:35pm to 10:50pm. This is analogous to the more familiar eclipse, except that when it occurs off in space and does not involve the Earth, it is called an “occultation.” Look at the Moon any time before the occultation begins, and you will see that, tonight, it is within an open cluster of stars in the distinctive shape of a “V.” These are known as “the Hyades.” By far the brightest star in the Hyades is an orange star, Aldebaran. As the Moon sweeps across the sky, it shall, at 9:35pm, suddenly cover, or “occult,” Aldebaran, blocking it from view. This will be all the more amazing to see, because Aldebaran shall enter the Moon’s darkened side, so it will look as though it simply vanishes into the darkness. Aldebaran will then be hidden behind the Moon until 10:50pm, when it shall just as suddenly reappear from behind the Moon’s bright side. Those times are fairly close to the actual times, yet are approximate; so, to not miss anything, be sure to begin watching several minutes before 9:35pm, and again several minutes before 10:50pm. Just to clarify, there is nothing special to see from the time Aldebaran vanishes to the time it reappears (other than the usual, beautiful Moon).
Vanishing and reappearing, a double feature treat for a cold winter’s night! Be sure to see it. On any night, everyone can find the Moon; and, tonight, Aldebaran will be the brightest, and only orange star near the Moon; so, everyone can observe this pleasing, astonishing astronomical event on their own, from inside a warm home!
